Tropical Bird & Christmas

Don't worry folks ...
... not on the same card!
This cute little image was a free download from PolkaDoodles but unfortunately I'm too late to enter their challenge despite the extended deadline ... the week just ran away with me I'm afraid.
I used my trusty Whispers Brush Markers to colour the image and added a touch of narrow lilac ribbon and some 'faux stitching'. Click the photo to see the detail.
The pretty papers and the epoxy sticker were from a scrapbook pack bought at our local Poundland ... a great bargain as there was loads of goodies crammed in the pack and decent quality too.

The Christmas cards are following Fab's Christmas Challenges from the beginning of the year in an effort to catch up, (with the intention of having a tidy wee pile ready and waiting before December).
I may not do them all in order but these are the first 2 from January.

Fab's Challenge #1 ~ Ice Blue & Sparkle
The papers were included in a RAK from my mega-talented friend Tiggertastic, (if you visit her blog you will see what I mean!), and the snow scene image was recycled from one of last year's cards and matted onto silver mirri card.

The extra sparkle was added using a Quickie Glue Pen and glitter.

Fab's Challenge #2 ~ 3D Embellishments
The HoHoHo paper was included in a free download from Funky Fairy's Inspirations and the blue glitter paper was included in the Pick'n'Mix selection from The Works.
The embossing was created using the Cuttlebug Snowflakes folder and the Santa embellishments were from a very old QVC kit, simply mounted with foam pads onto mirri card circles.
Like the majority of crafters everywhere, I'm having to tighten the belt quite a lot, so will probably be using up loads of old shopping channel kits between now and Christmas ... (much of which, to my shame, is still in boxes untouched) ... and I will be being much less impulsive about new purchases ... for a while anyway.